How did you come to acquire your dog?
- Thread starter SummerRiot
- Start date
A friend of my mom's had an accidental litter....actually, it was her husband's fault. Destiny (Toller, & Tang's mom) was going to be shown and happened to be in season. The neighbour had has intact male Border Collie out (he was a working dog, and in a breeding program I guess...that's what I was told anyway) and while the husband was outside, he had Dez out to play for a little while and the neighbour let his BC out shortly after (BC jumped the fence) and before they could get the two apart, it was too late. So, since my mom's friend knew I anted an active dog to participate in agility and such with, and she also knew of my love for Tollers, she offered us a puppy. To be honest, I didn't want one. I was set on having a well bred, purebred Toller, but my mom told me that wasn't going to be possible for a long time so I took a few days to think about it and decided I'd take one. I figured that even though it wasn't going to be the pup I wanted, it was still going to hopefully be almost everything I wanted in a dog anyway and I figured I'd probably be a better home for a pup than than somebody else...because we all know, neither of these two breeds are for everybody, and especially being mixed nobody knew what to expect out of two very high drive, high energy, etc. dogs. After they were born (January 24th, 2003) we went to visit them and my mom fell in love with a little tan pup with a black mask (Tango), instantly. I don't know what it was that drew her to Tango. She's had a dream about a pup that looked exactly like her a month before hand, and I guess she thought we just had to have her. I don't know. I on the other hand wanted one of the females that looked mostly Toller (they looked purebred as pups, not so much now)...for obvious reasons. I also wanted a very outgoing, determined pup. Not the shy, cowarding one in the corner (which is what Tango happened to be as they started to mature), but I didn't get to choose as my mom said "It's my house, I should at least get to choose the dog that lives in it"...or something along the lines of that anyway. I was so upset that I couldn't get the pup that I had originally wanted - but that was to change as soon as I spent a night with Tango. After we had brought her home, she and I bonded instantly. We were/are inseparable and I don't think I'll ever have another dog as wonderful as she is. I'm *so* glad that my mom insisted on taking her, even though she does have a few behavioural issues and fears. I wouldn't trade her for anything. She was the perfect puppy, much more so like an adult than a pup as far as behaviour, obedience, etc. went. Oh, as far as appearance goes, I think she turned out to be the prettiest in the litter (not just out of the females, but yes, the entire litter). Of course, I am bias;, but here are a couple pictures of the two girls I had wanted originally...
Kokanee:
Willow (pic was scanned, so the colour and quality is a bit 'off'):
They aren't ugly, I just happen to think Tango is prettier. Of course, it does help that I groom Tango and by looking at these dogs, you can tell that they aren't very well groomed (they are brushed, just not trimmed)...lol. I also prefer Tango's size over these two. Kokanee is 24" tall, and 49lbs. Willow is 20.5" tall and is 26lbs. Tango is the same height as Willow, but is 35lbs....which isn't a huge difference, but it's big enough for me.
Since the others aren't really mine, I'm not going to include them as I had nothing to do with choosing them.
Kokanee:
Willow (pic was scanned, so the colour and quality is a bit 'off'):
They aren't ugly, I just happen to think Tango is prettier. Of course, it does help that I groom Tango and by looking at these dogs, you can tell that they aren't very well groomed (they are brushed, just not trimmed)...lol. I also prefer Tango's size over these two. Kokanee is 24" tall, and 49lbs. Willow is 20.5" tall and is 26lbs. Tango is the same height as Willow, but is 35lbs....which isn't a huge difference, but it's big enough for me.
Since the others aren't really mine, I'm not going to include them as I had nothing to do with choosing them.
I got my ACD, Blue 7 years ago when I went to check out a horse for friend. It was a fairly large farm--they had several JRTs and and an ACD or two in kennels--but all the animals on the place looked healthy and well cared for--then tied in the barn I see this approximately 6 month old ACD pup tied up--he was sooo pathetic--super skinny, and had half his hair itched off--The people quickly explained that their son just brought the dog to the farm after rescuing it from a friend of a friend's yard, where someone had totally neglected the pup. They wanted to find him a home and didn't know what to do since they already had several dogs--I had not had a dog for a long time --had known a few heelers so sort of knew what I was getting into and brought him home anyway
I had to go crazy the next day geeting him all his stuff, fixing the yard for him, taking him to the vet for the first time ever. He is a good boy--but on his "chaos demon" days I have sometimes found myself saying people get these dogs on purpose?! LOL!
I got my Manchester "Terror", Zippy 3 months ago--I was interested in the breed and wanted Blue to have some company, but could never seem to find a pup or a rescue--stopped looking a few years ago, then did a search out of the blue last spring. Instantly one of the top breeders in the country responded to my e-mail seeking rescue or adoption and told me for a healthy fee and extensive questionaire/ spay neuter contract I could have a 9 month old pup that did not work out in the show ring --now I have my beautiful little Zippy too!
I had to go crazy the next day geeting him all his stuff, fixing the yard for him, taking him to the vet for the first time ever. He is a good boy--but on his "chaos demon" days I have sometimes found myself saying people get these dogs on purpose?! LOL! I got my Manchester "Terror", Zippy 3 months ago--I was interested in the breed and wanted Blue to have some company, but could never seem to find a pup or a rescue--stopped looking a few years ago, then did a search out of the blue last spring. Instantly one of the top breeders in the country responded to my e-mail seeking rescue or adoption and told me for a healthy fee and extensive questionaire/ spay neuter contract I could have a 9 month old pup that did not work out in the show ring --now I have my beautiful little Zippy too!
Well, I grew up with Nikki, a beautiful Shetland Sheepdog. My dad got her as a father's day present or something, I don't remember. But she was only living with me part time, and I wanting nothing else but of dog of my own (I was fostering on and off, but that wasn't enough for me) so I started researching breeds and stuff and decided on a Cocker Spaniel. I heard lots of conflicting things about Cockers, the good the bad and the ugly, of course. So I did tons of research and found a decent breeder not too far away. I went and met the puppies when they were 6wks. I had my heart set on a buff female. The dam was black, and the stud was buff, so the majority of the pups were black. I played with them for a while, touching and testing, and couldn't decide. I didn't but down a deposite because I wanted to make sure I was making the right choice. When they turned 8wks I called to check on them (I had looked at another breeder who I decided they were no good) and she only had the one buff female left and 3 blacks, and a family was coming to look at them that night. I was upset because I had a staff meeting that night and a conference the next day, so I couldn't possibly go get a puppy.
My parents went and got her, gave the breeder all of my information, and took her to my house and waited for me as a surprise. The best surprise of my life Maddie...
After Nikki died, though she was living with me part time, I felt a huge loss. I wanted another dog, and beat around the topic for quite a while. I posted here, on Chaz, and got wonderful suggestions. The best one, however, was from Renee... who suggested I look into GSD rescues, especailly young adult females. So I read everything I could about GSD's, and decided she was totally right (of course lol) and let all of my rescue buddies know I was looking for a GSD. I looked at a couple, some owner owned, one at the pound who litterally started having puppies while me and my father watched, a couple adds in the paper. I got a call from a fellow foster parent saying that there was a pretty GSD in a pound maybe 2hrs away or so. I went and looked at her, they told me that someone found her as a teen pup and tied her outback and kept her there for a while and then brought her to the pound. She was an "outside" dog, she stunk, she was scrawny, you could feel every bone in her body. She was nervous, wanted nothing more but to go outside, but after a few minutes all she wanted to do was lean on me and get pats. I paid her adoption and spay fee and left, to pick her up 4 or 5 days later after her surgery.
I was in FL because my grandfather was having hip preplacment surgery. My aunt owned Charlie, and she has been telling me for quite a while that she was overwelmed by the care of 2 dogs and 2 cats. After seeing the animals and the house I agreed, and talked my Dad (who I rode down with) into letting Charlie ride down with us. So he did. From FL all the way to OH... it was a really long drive, but he rode it like a champ. I'm getting his weight down, I've desensitized him from chasing cars and cats. We're doing good
My parents went and got her, gave the breeder all of my information, and took her to my house and waited for me as a surprise. The best surprise of my life
Maddie... After Nikki died, though she was living with me part time, I felt a huge loss. I wanted another dog, and beat around the topic for quite a while. I posted here, on Chaz, and got wonderful suggestions. The best one, however, was from Renee... who suggested I look into GSD rescues, especailly young adult females. So I read everything I could about GSD's, and decided she was totally right (of course
lol) and let all of my rescue buddies know I was looking for a GSD. I looked at a couple, some owner owned, one at the pound who litterally started having puppies while me and my father watched, a couple adds in the paper. I got a call from a fellow foster parent saying that there was a pretty GSD in a pound maybe 2hrs away or so. I went and looked at her, they told me that someone found her as a teen pup and tied her outback and kept her there for a while and then brought her to the pound. She was an "outside" dog, she stunk, she was scrawny, you could feel every bone in her body. She was nervous, wanted nothing more but to go outside, but after a few minutes all she wanted to do was lean on me and get pats. I paid her adoption and spay fee and left, to pick her up 4 or 5 days later after her surgery. I was in FL because my grandfather was having hip preplacment surgery. My aunt owned Charlie, and she has been telling me for quite a while that she was overwelmed by the care of 2 dogs and 2 cats. After seeing the animals and the house I agreed, and talked my Dad (who I rode down with) into letting Charlie ride down with us. So he did. From FL all the way to OH... it was a really long drive, but he rode it like a champ. I'm getting his weight down, I've desensitized him from chasing cars and cats. We're doing good
Lillys story is gut wreanching. She was used as a BYB/Puppy Mill bitch in a township called Delft, a very poor area rife with alcohol and drug abuse. She obviously decided she didn't want to stay anymore and escaped.
She was found, what AWS thinks, was 3 months later. She was lying on the side of the road, they though she was dead. The van stopped to clear up the body and when they picked her up she moved. They rushed her back to the hospital where she was diagnosed with billery, 3 broken ribs and found to be lactating. She was only 1.2 kgs (about 4 pounds). She was kept on a drip and given meds for 3 days, the vet said if she was not awake by the fourth day they were going to put her to sleep.
Well, she woke up, she was weak and cried for her puppies for a few days. Because she was the smallest dog at the shelter she was always being bullied and run over by the other bigger dogs.
I came to drop off a foster who had found a home and saw Lilly doodle bugging around the office. She seemed to inprint on my mind. I never liked little dogs but she crept in there.
I though for a few days and called the lady at the rescue and asked about her. She was due to be PTS on the Saturday morning and I called on Thursday. I rushed through that Saturday and picked up my thin, scared, dirty and broken little girl.
It didn't take long for us to fall in love and Lilly slowly grew into the confident little girl she is today. I love her so much!
She was found, what AWS thinks, was 3 months later. She was lying on the side of the road, they though she was dead. The van stopped to clear up the body and when they picked her up she moved. They rushed her back to the hospital where she was diagnosed with billery, 3 broken ribs and found to be lactating. She was only 1.2 kgs (about 4 pounds). She was kept on a drip and given meds for 3 days, the vet said if she was not awake by the fourth day they were going to put her to sleep.
Well, she woke up, she was weak and cried for her puppies for a few days. Because she was the smallest dog at the shelter she was always being bullied and run over by the other bigger dogs.
I came to drop off a foster who had found a home and saw Lilly doodle bugging around the office. She seemed to inprint on my mind. I never liked little dogs but she crept in there.
I though for a few days and called the lady at the rescue and asked about her. She was due to be PTS on the Saturday morning and I called on Thursday. I rushed through that Saturday and picked up my thin, scared, dirty and broken little girl.
It didn't take long for us to fall in love and Lilly slowly grew into the confident little girl she is today. I love her so much!
It had been months since my dog died, and I was unemployed, and I hadn't been able to afford a dog and it seemed like such a waste - all that free time, and no dog to spend it with - and I was so miserable. Then I got a job. I got the call offering me the position, accepted, put down the phone, I borrowed a car, and went to the shelter where I'd gotten my first two dogs. I was looking for a furry dog of medium size. I completely overlooked her at first because she's so dark, and my other dogs were light. But she had this trick of running around her kennel on her hind legs that freaked me out and I looked closer and realized she was a lot like what I was looking for - medium in size, long shaggy coat, a shaggy bearded face, lots of energy and very affectionate. I took her out for a walk, and she seemed nice, and I have never been very good at putting them back after I take them out for a walk. I always feel as if the shelter people are thinking "Jesus, how hard to please are you? You're not perfect either, you know." I had some reservations about her being so easily distracted. She was hugely affectionate one second, on to something else the next, which I suspected would be difficult to handle. I was right, btw. And if I'd had any sense at all, I'd have been more concerned about her energy level, because she was still a puppy, under a year, and I already knew from my last dog that they take at least 3 years to mature. But I wanted a very young dog, to stave off as long as possible the whole hellish experience of losing them, and I loved how friendly she was.
I was insane to bring her home the day before I started the new job, but I had no clue how nuts it was.
Odd side note: I adopted her in the autumn, and since it was always dark before I got home at night, I almost never saw her in daylight until the spring of the next year. It took me by surprise that first weekend when I realized her dark grey/black coat has silver highlights.
I was insane to bring her home the day before I started the new job, but I had no clue how nuts it was.
Odd side note: I adopted her in the autumn, and since it was always dark before I got home at night, I almost never saw her in daylight until the spring of the next year. It took me by surprise that first weekend when I realized her dark grey/black coat has silver highlights.
When I was really really really young (about 2years old) I was actually scared of dogs. One day while out with my mum and brother delivering papers on my brother''s paper route this HUGE (ok she really wasn''t that big, but to a little toddler she was!) black lab came lolling up to us. Molly taught me that dogs are amazing creatures and I ended up falling in love with her and every other dog I came across. By 5 I was completely hooked and would check out every dog book in the library. Before I could read I would just gaze at the pictures.
At 8 years old I began horseback riding lessons at a stable that also bred Golden Retrievers. I would help them out with care, feeding, and training. Few years went by and I began delving even deeper into the world of training. Learning different techniques, finding out what worked, what didn''t and why, watching and comparing dog behaviour to wolf behaviour, and other studies that far exceeded the expectations of your average 8-10 year old. With my new-found knowledge I broadened my horizons and began training other people''s dogs in the neighbourhood.
Ever since 5 years old i was constantly begging my parents for a dog but the answer was always the same, no. Then it turned into "No because your brother has asthma" then it was "Your brother didn''t get one so you don''t either" Iw as determined though! When I turned about 12-13 I decided to take a new approach. I heavily researched about dogs that would be able to live outside (for my brother''s asmtha) and I contemplated the possibilities of this. I brought my research forward to my parents and they saw just how into this I was, a lot more than my brother ever was. I had also already proved to them I was responsible by training those other dogs and caring for my hamster Zoe. Finally they said yes and we settled on aquiring a Siberian Husky because it suited our family the best and it had always been my mum''s favourite breed along with the German Shepherd. I began researching breeders and got in contact with Trishamar Kennels because I really liked the look of her dogs and all they had achieved (at that time though I wasn''t thinking I''d get into dogsledding or else I would''ve looked at a working kennel instead of a show kennel). When I did get in contact with her she had a litter of pups 8 weeks old already but at that time I had wanted a female and all the female pups were spoken for.
It was going to be a year before she was going to be having another litter so my parents suggested looking for another puppy but I was dead set on getting a Trishamar puppy. So we waited the year, in the mean time I did more research, talked with owners, bought supplies, prepared our house and yard, and worked extra hard to have more money in my pocket for when the puppy came.
FINALLY the litter was born. At 3 weeks we went to see the puppies, 1 female and 3 males. The breeder let me know that she was looking at keeping the little female for herself and asked if I would take a male instead. I decided I would keep my options open and would deffinately be taking a Trishamar puppy from this litter whether it be male or female.
When the puppies turned 9 weeks old my mum and I drove out to choose a pup. "Keeper" the littler female stayed at the back of the pen very shy so though my heart went out to her, she wasn''t what I was really looking for personality-wise. I wanted something confident, outgoing, bold, and friendly even if that meant I''d end up with a very dominant puppy. One of the males was already spoken for since he was to be a show puppy which left two puppies for me to choose from, "Smiley" and "Dopey". "Smiley" was the first to me every time I went to the pen and even when Iw as paying attention to the other puppies he wouldn''t leave me alone. If I was paying attention to him he was so happy and wiggled all over until I picked him up then he instantly went limp like a rag doll and fell asleep. He had won my heart and I took "Smiley" now "Oceano" home. The other thing that I loved about this little guy was his 1 blue and 1 brown eye. The neat thing is that blue eye ended up getting a speck of brown and has now turned into 1/2 blue and 1/2 brown. From what I hear about the other puppies and their experiences I really did end up with the best in the litter. even the breeder tells me so and she wishes he hadn''t been neutered so he could be shown. Oh well. I love my boy so much and he is everything I want!
How I ended up with Ronan is lot simpler. He''s been my lead dog for my dogsled team for two years now and right now his owner can''t keep him so he is staying here until he can go home again. I love both boys intensly. Both have done so much for me and always give me everything they''ve got and then some.
At 8 years old I began horseback riding lessons at a stable that also bred Golden Retrievers. I would help them out with care, feeding, and training. Few years went by and I began delving even deeper into the world of training. Learning different techniques, finding out what worked, what didn''t and why, watching and comparing dog behaviour to wolf behaviour, and other studies that far exceeded the expectations of your average 8-10 year old. With my new-found knowledge I broadened my horizons and began training other people''s dogs in the neighbourhood.
Ever since 5 years old i was constantly begging my parents for a dog but the answer was always the same, no. Then it turned into "No because your brother has asthma" then it was "Your brother didn''t get one so you don''t either" Iw as determined though! When I turned about 12-13 I decided to take a new approach. I heavily researched about dogs that would be able to live outside (for my brother''s asmtha) and I contemplated the possibilities of this. I brought my research forward to my parents and they saw just how into this I was, a lot more than my brother ever was. I had also already proved to them I was responsible by training those other dogs and caring for my hamster Zoe. Finally they said yes and we settled on aquiring a Siberian Husky because it suited our family the best and it had always been my mum''s favourite breed along with the German Shepherd. I began researching breeders and got in contact with Trishamar Kennels because I really liked the look of her dogs and all they had achieved (at that time though I wasn''t thinking I''d get into dogsledding or else I would''ve looked at a working kennel instead of a show kennel). When I did get in contact with her she had a litter of pups 8 weeks old already but at that time I had wanted a female and all the female pups were spoken for.
It was going to be a year before she was going to be having another litter so my parents suggested looking for another puppy but I was dead set on getting a Trishamar puppy. So we waited the year, in the mean time I did more research, talked with owners, bought supplies, prepared our house and yard, and worked extra hard to have more money in my pocket for when the puppy came.
FINALLY the litter was born. At 3 weeks we went to see the puppies, 1 female and 3 males. The breeder let me know that she was looking at keeping the little female for herself and asked if I would take a male instead. I decided I would keep my options open and would deffinately be taking a Trishamar puppy from this litter whether it be male or female.
When the puppies turned 9 weeks old my mum and I drove out to choose a pup. "Keeper" the littler female stayed at the back of the pen very shy so though my heart went out to her, she wasn''t what I was really looking for personality-wise. I wanted something confident, outgoing, bold, and friendly even if that meant I''d end up with a very dominant puppy. One of the males was already spoken for since he was to be a show puppy which left two puppies for me to choose from, "Smiley" and "Dopey". "Smiley" was the first to me every time I went to the pen and even when Iw as paying attention to the other puppies he wouldn''t leave me alone. If I was paying attention to him he was so happy and wiggled all over until I picked him up then he instantly went limp like a rag doll and fell asleep. He had won my heart and I took "Smiley" now "Oceano" home. The other thing that I loved about this little guy was his 1 blue and 1 brown eye. The neat thing is that blue eye ended up getting a speck of brown and has now turned into 1/2 blue and 1/2 brown. From what I hear about the other puppies and their experiences I really did end up with the best in the litter. even the breeder tells me so and she wishes he hadn''t been neutered so he could be shown. Oh well. I love my boy so much and he is everything I want!
How I ended up with Ronan is lot simpler. He''s been my lead dog for my dogsled team for two years now and right now his owner can''t keep him so he is staying here until he can go home again. I love both boys intensly. Both have done so much for me and always give me everything they''ve got and then some.
I got Andy from a local breeder whom I had helped rescue a horse with. I told her I was looking for a sheltie and I told her I wanted a male sable and white. She told me she would call me when she had one available. Well, about four months later I was beginning to lose hope, but one day she called me to tell me that she had a four week old puppy who didn't have a home yet. I sent in the deposit without even seeing him. When I finally got to see him, Andy was five weeks old and crawled right into my arms. It was love at first sight
I found out about Gonzo, while in the middle of talking to a very reputable working GSD breeder about a puppy. We know one of the founding members of BC Rescue of NorCal, and she told us they were getting a puppy from a rancher in a few weeks. We got the rancher's number and asked to see him. He was way out in the sticks, with about a dozen Border Collies of various ages. Gonzo's Dad was named Waldo, and he was an older, rough-coated Black & White boy. His Mom was a smooth Red & White girl, kind of funny looking , and she was bringing cattle in when we got there. Gonzo ran out from a barn along with his sister, he was almost 6 months old, very fluffy & dirty, and wiggling all over the place. There was 3 little boys there that were messing with the poor female puppy, and some neighbors kids were also taunting the dogs. I definitely feel this is why Gonzo is fearful of 5-10 year old boys, still. We decided we wanted to adopt him, and the breeders basically wanted to "get rid of him" because of their excess of dogs (they were selling some adults), and we got him for free! We gave BCRNC a donation, actually. We immediately drove to Petsmart and gave him a bath, got him a studded collar and a blue bandana and tons of toys! He has been the best dog, imaginable.
I adopted Fozzie on May 1st (2006) from Save A Dog Rescue. When I saw him on Petfinder, I totally fell in love with him, even though the photo was horribly fuzzy! He was about 9 weeks old, his Mommy (a purebred Corgi) had been dumped at a shelter heavily impregnated. We drove 4 hours to meet him at an adoption event, he immediately jumped into my arms and cuddled with me as we picked things up at Petsmart. He slept on my lap the whole way home, and I changed his name from Willie to Fozzie. Fozzie is a really sweet, adorable, hilarious little kiddo I am so glad we found him, instead of buying a Cardi from a breeder. He's also Gonzo's best buddy! They are so so crazy together, they wrestle and romp around all day long together, and it's super cute to watch.
, and she was bringing cattle in when we got there. Gonzo ran out from a barn along with his sister, he was almost 6 months old, very fluffy & dirty, and wiggling all over the place. There was 3 little boys there that were messing with the poor female puppy, and some neighbors kids were also taunting the dogs. I definitely feel this is why Gonzo is fearful of 5-10 year old boys, still. We decided we wanted to adopt him, and the breeders basically wanted to "get rid of him" because of their excess of dogs (they were selling some adults), and we got him for free! We gave BCRNC a donation, actually. We immediately drove to Petsmart and gave him a bath, got him a studded collar and a blue bandana and tons of toys! He has been the best dog, imaginable.I adopted Fozzie on May 1st (2006) from Save A Dog Rescue. When I saw him on Petfinder, I totally fell in love with him, even though the photo was horribly fuzzy! He was about 9 weeks old, his Mommy (a purebred Corgi) had been dumped at a shelter heavily impregnated. We drove 4 hours to meet him at an adoption event, he immediately jumped into my arms and cuddled with me as we picked things up at Petsmart. He slept on my lap the whole way home, and I changed his name from Willie to Fozzie. Fozzie is a really sweet, adorable, hilarious little kiddo
I am so glad we found him, instead of buying a Cardi from a breeder. He's also Gonzo's best buddy! They are so so crazy together, they wrestle and romp around all day long together, and it's super cute to watch.